Tube slide

ABSTRACT

A helical tube slide that includes a plurality one-piece half-tube portions that are each substantially dimensionally the same. Two of the plurality of half-tube portions are coupled together to define a first curved tubular segment that defines a first portion of the tube slide. Another two of the plurality of half-tube portions are coupled together to define a second curved tubular segment that defines a second portion of the tube slide. The tube slide further includes a fastener that couples the first curved tubular segment and the second curved tubular segment.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to tube slides, and more particularly tocurved tube slides.

Playstations or playgrounds often include slides. One type of slide isoften referred to as a tube slide and one type of tube slide is a curvedor curving tube slide. Tube slides are typically supplied or shipped inseveral differently configured pieces that are assembled at theplayground or near the playstation. Careful attention must be paidduring assembly that the differently configured parts are assembledcorrectly and in the specific sequence required to obtain the finalcurved configuration of the tube slide.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a helical tube slide thatincludes a plurality of one-piece half-tube portions that are eachsubstantially dimensionally the same. Two of the plurality of half-tubeportions are coupled together to define a first curved tubular segmentthat defines a first portion of the tube slide. Another two of theplurality of half-tube portions are coupled together to define a secondcurved tubular segment that defines a second portion of the tube slide.The tube slide further includes a fastener that couples the first curvedtubular segment and the second curved tubular segment.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a helical tube slide thatincludes a first curved tubular segment defining a curved longitudinalaxis and a second curved tubular segment defining a curved longitudinalaxis. The first curved tubular segment and the second curved tubularsegment are coupled such that the longitudinal axes of the first andsecond curved tubular segments define a portion of a continuous helix.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method of assemblinga helical tube slide. The method includes selecting two of a pluralityof one-piece half-tube portions each being substantially dimensionallythe same and coupling together the two of the plurality of half-tubeportions to define a first curved tubular segment. The method furtherincludes selecting another two of the plurality of one-piece half-tubeportions each being substantially dimensionally the same, couplingtogether the another two of the plurality of half-tube portions todefine a second curved tubular segment, and coupling together the firstcurved tubular segment and the second curved tubular segment to defineat least a portion of the helical tube slide.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a playstation that includes a tube slideembodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the tube slide.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the tube slide.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the tube slide.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the tube slide.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the tube slide in phantom and a solid lineillustrating a longitudinal axis of the tube slide that defines a helix.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a half-tube portion utilized to form aportion of the tube slide.

FIG. 8 is an alternative perspective view of the half-tube portion ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a tubular segment of the tube slide formed fromtwo of the half-tube portions of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the tubular segment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates five of the half-tube portions of FIG. 7 in astacked or nested arrangement.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a container that includes the components oftube slide disassembled.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a playstation 20. The illustrated playstation 20includes a plurality of vertical supports 24 that support an elevatedplatform 28. The playstation 20 further includes accessories, such as aclimbing wall 32 and horizontal bars 34 (i.e., monkey bars). Of course,in other constructions, the playstation 20 can include other playstationaccessories such as swings, a sandbox, ladders, and the like.

The playstation 20 further includes a helical tube slide 38. While inthe illustrated construction the tube slide 38 is utilized with theplaystation 20, it should be understood that in other constructions, thetube slide 38 can be a stand alone component (i.e., coupled directly toa ladder or steps such that the playstation is substantially omitted).

The illustrated tube slide 38 is formed from six curved tubular segments42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, 42 e, and 42 f. In other constructions, the tubeslide 38 can be formed from more or less than six curved tubularsegments. The tubular segments 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, and 42 e aresubstantially the same, and more particularly in the illustratedconstruction, the tubular segments 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, and 42 e areidentical. Therefore, only the tubular segment 42 a will be described indetail below.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the tubular segment 42 a. The tubular segment42 a defines a curved longitudinal axis 50 that extends longitudinallythrough the center of the tubular segment 42 a. The tubular segment 42 ais formed from two one-piece half-tube portions 46. Both of thehalf-tube portions 46 are dimensionally the same. For example, as bestseen in FIG. 10, the half-tube portions 46 both define a radius R1measured from the longitudinal axis 50 of the tubular segment 42 a. Inthe illustrated construction, the radii R1 are both approximately 12inches. Of course, in other constructions, the radii R1 can be anysuitable length. Also, referring to FIG. 9, the half-tube portions 46further define inner arcuate lengths L1 and outer arcuate lengths L2.The outer arcuate length L2 is longer than the inner arcuate length L1such the longitudinal axis 50 of the tubular segment 42 a is curved.

The half-tube portions 46 are dimensionally the same, but moreparticularly in the illustrated construction, the half-tube portions 46are identical. In one construction, the half-tube portions 46 are molded(e.g., injection molded, thermo-formed, roto-molded, blow molded, andthe like) from plastic, and therefore, one mold can be used to form bothof the identical half-tube portions 46 of the tubular segment 42 a.Dimensionally the same, as used herein to describe the half-tubeportions 46, means that the half-tube portions 46 can be formed or couldhave been formed in the same mold or by the same die or by the sameoperational procedure. As used herein and in the appended claims, theterms “identical” and “dimensionally the same” as used to describe thehalf-tube portions 46, takes into account inevitable minor variationsthat may occur during the molding process. As stated above, the tubularsegments 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, and 42 e are all substantially thesame. Therefore, the same mold can be used to form the half-tubeportions 46 of the other tubular segments 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, and 42 esuch that the half-tube potions 46 of the tubular segments 42 a, 42 b,42 c, 42 d, and 42 e are all dimensionally the same, and morespecifically, all identical. It should be understood that the half-tubeportions 46 of the tube slide 38 can have different colors, indicia,surface features, and the like, while remaining dimensionally the same.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the half-tube portion 46 that is used to formthe tubular segments 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, and 42 e of the tube slide38. The half-tube portion 46 defines an inner longitudinal edge 54, anouter longitudinal edge 56, a first circumferential edge 58, and asecond circumferential edge 60. An inner longitudinal flange 62 extendsfrom and along the inner longitudinal edge 54 and an outer longitudinalflange 64 extends from and along the outer longitudinal edge 56. A firstcircumferential flange 66 extends from and along the firstcircumferential edge 58 and a second circumferential flange 68 extendsfrom and along the second circumferential edge 60. In the illustratedconstruction, the flanges 62, 64, 66, and 68 are integrally molded withthe half-tube portion 46. Apertures 76 a, 76 b, 76 c, 76 d, 76 e, 76 f,and 76 g extend through both the circumferential flanges 66 and 68, andapertures 80 extend through the longitudinal flanges 62 and 64.Referring to FIG. 10, when two of the half-tube portions 46 are coupled,the apertures 76 a, 76 b, 76 c, 76 d, 76 e, 76 f, and 76 g are equallyspaced by an angle α. In the illustrated construction, the angle α isapproximately 25.7 degrees.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, the aperture 76 a of thefirst circumferential flange 66 is located an angle β from the innerlongitudinal flange 62. The aperture 76 g of the second circumferentialflange 68 is located at the angle β from the outer longitudinal flange64. The aperture 76 a of the second circumferential flange 68 is locatedan angle γ from the inner longitudinal flange 62 and the aperture 76 gof the first circumferential flange 66 is located the angle γ from theouter longitudinal flange 64. The sum of the angles γ and β equals theangle α, and in the illustrated construction, the angle β isapproximately 8.7 degrees and the angle γ is approximately 17.0 degrees.In other constructions, the angles γ and β can be any suitable angle.The purpose of the angles α, β, and γ will be discussed in more detailbelow.

In the illustrated construction, the apertures 76 a, 76 b, 76 c, 76 d,76 e, 76 f, 76 g and 80 are integrally formed with the half-tube portion46 during molding. The apertures 76 a, 76 b, 76 c, 76 d, 76 e, 76 f, 76g and 80 of each of the half-tube portions 46 are spaced and configuredin substantially identical configurations. Accordingly, as stated above,one mold can be used to form all of the half-tube portions 46 of thetube slide 38 of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, to assemble the tubular segment 42 a, any twoof the half-tube portions 46 are coupled together such that the innerlongitudinal flanges 62 abut and the outer longitudinal flanges 64 abutas illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. By selecting any two of the half-tubeportions 46, it is easy for the user to assemble the slide 38 becausethere is no specific sequence in which the half-tube portions 46 must beassembled. The apertures 80 are aligned, and then a fastener 84, whichis a bolt, nut, and washer combination in the illustrated construction,is inserted through each of the apertures 80 to couple the half-tubeportions 46. While the illustrated fasteners 84 include a nut, bolt, andone or more washers, in other constructions, other suitable fastenerscan be utilized, such as screws, clamps, adhesives, welding, or tongueand groove, bayonet style, or other mechanical fastening arrangements,etc. Such mechanical fastening arrangements could be integrally formedwith the half-tube portions 46 or could be separate parts.

Referring to FIG. 9, the tubular segment 42 a defines the curvedlongitudinal axis 50 that extends longitudinally through the center ofthe tubular segment 42 a. The longitudinal axis 50 extends through anangle δ that is defined by the circumferential flanges 66 and 68. In theillustrated construction, the angle δ is approximately 50 degrees, andin other constructions, the angle δ can be more or less than 50 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the curved tubular segments 42 a, 42 b, 42c, 42 d, and 42 e are each formed from any two of the half-tube portions46, and are identical in the illustrated construction. The curvedtubular segment 42 f that defines an exit of the tube slide 38 is formedfrom one of the identical half-tube portions 46 discussed above, and onesubstantially similar half-tube portion 100. In the illustratedconstruction, the half-tube portion 100 is dimensionally the same as thehalf-tube portions 46 except that a portion the half-tube portion 100 iscut away to define an edge 104. The cut-away portion of the half-tubeportion 100 provides addition clearance for a user's head as the userexits the slide 38. In other constructions, the half-tube portion 100could be replaced with another of the half-tube portions 46.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the tube slide 38 furtherincludes a tapered entrance portion 110, a platform or “crow's nest”114, and an exit portion 118. The exit portion 118 couples to thetubular segment 42 f and interconnects the tubular segment 42 f to theground or another suitable support surface. In the illustratedconstruction, the exit portion 118 includes a curved inner edge 122 anda relatively straight outer edge 124. The inner edge 122 is curvedtoward the outer edge 124 to guide the user as they exit the tube slide38. Therefore, the exit portion 110 is offset per the direction ofrotation of the slide 38. In other constructions, the exit portion 110can be centered with respect to the segment 42 f. The exit portion 110is configured to mate with a water slide of the type disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 6,482,095 and 6,361,445, which are both incorporated byreference herein.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the tapered entrance 110 includes anentrance end 126 that defines an entrance of the tube slide 38 and anexit end 130 that is coupled to the tubular segment 42 a. The entranceend 126 is generally rectangular is shape and the exit end 130 isgenerally circular in shape. Therefore, the entrance portion 110 of thetube slide 38 transitions or tapers from the rectangular entrance end126 to the circular exit end 130. As best seen in FIG. 3, the area ofthe rectangular entrance end 126 is greater than the area of thecircular exit end 130. The relatively larger area at the entrance end126 allows the user to easily enter the tube slide 38 and providesgreater area for entering the tube slide 38 than if the entrance of thetube slide 38 was defined by the tubular segment 42 a. As best seen inFIGS. 2 and 4, the illustrated tapered entrance 110 is formed from twopieces that are coupled using bolts at a top flange 132 and a bottomflange 134.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the platform 114 includes a floor 136 andsidewalls 138 that extend upwardly from the floor 136. A top bar 141including handles 142 is coupled to the top of the sidewalls 138. Thehandles 142 can be used by the user for assistance when entering theslide 38. Referring to FIG. 1, the platform 114 is coupled to theplatform 28 of the playstation 20 such that platform 114 is cantileveredor extends from the platform 28. Therefore, the platform 114 positionsthe entrance of the slide 38 further away from the platform 28 and thevertical supports 24 of the playstation 20 than if the slide 38 did notinclude the platform 114 (i.e., if the tapered entrance 110 was directlycoupled to the platform 28). By moving the entrance of the slide 38 awayfrom the platform 28, the slide 38 is able to curve back toward theplatform 28 and vertical supports 24 without interference by theplatform 28 and vertical supports 24. This construction facilitateshaving the slide 38 maintain its continuous helix shape, as will bediscussed further below. It also eliminates the need for a straighttubular segment of the type commonly used in prior art curved tubeslides.

Referring to FIG. 1, to assemble the tube slide 38, the platform 114 iscoupled to the playstation 20 such that the platform 114 extendsoutwardly from the playstation 20. In the illustrated construction, theplatform 114 is coupled to the playstation 20 such that there is a stepbetween the platform 28 and the platform 114. The tapered entranceportion 110 is then coupled to the platform 114 as illustrated in FIGS.2 and 4, such that the entrance portion 110 extends away from theplaystation 20. Then, the tubular segment 42 a, which was assembled asdiscussed above, is coupled to the entrance portion 110.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the tubular segment 42 ais coupled to aflange 146 of the tapered entrance portion 110, which includes aperturesin the same configuration and arrangement as the apertures 76 a, 76 b,76 c, 76 d, 76 e, 76 f, and 76 g of the circumferential flanges 66 and68 of the tubular segment 42 a (see FIG. 10). The tubular segment 42 ais coupled to the flange 146 of the entrance portion 110 by insertingfasteners 150, which are bolts, nuts, and washers in the illustratedconstruction, through the apertures 76 a, 76 b, 76 c, 76 d, 76 e, 76 f,and 76 g and tightening the nuts on the bolts. In other constructions,other suitable fasteners can be utilized, such as screws, clamps,adhesives, welding, or tongue and groove, bayonet style, or othermechanical fastening arrangements, etc. Such mechanical fasteningarrangements could be integrally formed with the half-tube portions 46or could be separate parts.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the tubular segment 42 a is coupled to theentrance portion 110 such that the outer longitudinal flanges 64 of thetubular segment 42 a are orientated clockwise (as viewed from the front)with respect to the top flange 132 of the tapered entrance 110 such thatthere are three bolts 150 between the top flange 132 of the entranceportion 110 and the outer longitudinal flange 64.

Next, the tubular segment 42 b is coupled to the tubular segment 42 ausing the fasteners 150 and the circumferential flanges 66 and 68 of thetubular segments 42 a and 42 b. The tubular segments 42 a and 42 b arealigned such the outer longitudinal flanges 64 of the tubular segment 42b are rotated counterclockwise (as viewed from the front) with respectto the outer longitudinal flanges 64 of the tubular segment 42 a andthere is one bolt 150 between the outer longitudinal flanges 64 of thetubular segments 42 a and 42 b. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 10, because ofthe configuration of the angular arrangement of the apertures 76 a, 76b, 76 c, 76 d, 76 e, 76 f, and 76 g (i.e., the angles α, β, and γ) theouter longitudinal flanges 64 of the tubular segment 42 a and the outerlongitudinal flanges 64 of the tubular segment 42 b are separated by anangle of γ plus γ (see FIG. 10) or approximately 34 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the remaining tubular segment 42 c, 42 d, 42 e,and 42 f are similarly coupled such that the outer longitudinal flanges64 of the respective tubular segments are offset with the longitudinalflanges 64 of the preceding tubular segment by one bolt 150 as discussedabove and as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, when the tubular segments 42 a , 42 b, 42c, 42 d, 42 e, and 42 f are coupled, the longitudinal axes 50 (see FIG.9) of the segments 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, 42 e, and 42 f align todefine a helix 156 having a center axis 157 . More specifically, in theillustrated construction, the longitudinal axes 50 of the tubularsegments 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, 42 e, and 42 f align to define acontinuous helix that is defined by the following equations (hereinafter“the helix equations”).

$x = \frac{D\; {1 \cdot \cos}\; \theta}{2}$$y = \frac{D\; {1 \cdot \sin}\; \theta}{2}$$z = {{C\; 1} + \left( \frac{P\; {1 \cdot \theta}}{360} \right)}$

Where:

D1=the diameter of the helix 156 measured at a plane normal to the axis157 (see FIG. 6);

θ=the angle in degrees that the helix 156 extends around the axis 157(see FIG. 6);

C1=a constant that is the distance measured from the ground to the pointwhere the helix 156 begins (see FIG. 4); and

P1=the pitch of the helix 156, which is defined as the height of onecomplete turn (i.e., 360 degrees) measured along the axis 157 of thehelix 156 (see FIGS. 4 and 6).

In other words, every point along the longitudinal axes 50 of the slide38 fits the helix equations. Also, at every point along the longitudinalaxes 50 of the slide 38 a circular cross-section of the slide 38 isdefined if a cross-section is taken normal to the longitudinal axis 50.As used herein and in the appended claims, the phrase “continuous helix”means that the helix is defined by the helix equations. A continuoushelix differs from a discontinuous helix because every point along adiscontinuous helix is not defined by the helix equations. For example,a tube slide that does not define a continuous helix typically includesseveral tubular segments that are coupled together, but the longitudinalaxes of the tubular segments do not align to define a continuous helix.Rather, the longitudinal axes of the tubular segments are discontinuous,or do not completely fit the helix equations. Such a tube slide isillustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,744. It has been found that the tubeslide 38 that defines the continuous helix 156 provides a smoother andmore enjoyable ride than a tube slide that does not define a continuoushelix by providing a constant slope and curvature to the slide path.

In one construction of the tube slide 38, the diameter D1 of the helix156 is approximately 28 inches, the angle θ is approximately 360degrees, the constant C1 is approximately 22.5 inches, and the pitch P1is approximately 56 inches. Of course, in other constructions, thediameter D1, the angle θ, the constant C1, and the pitch P1 can have anysuitable value.

Referring to FIG. 6, the longitudinal axis 50 (see FIG. 9) of each ofthe tubular segments 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, 42 e, and 42 f defines aportion or segment 158 a, 158 b, 158 c, 158 d, 158 e, and 158 f,respectively, of the helix 156. In the illustrated construction, thehelix 156 extends through the angle θ that is approximately 360 degrees.Therefore, the six dimensionally similar segments 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42d, 42 e, and 42 f each extend through one-sixth of the helix 156 or anangle ε of approximately 60 degrees. While the illustrated helix extendsthrough about 360 degrees, in other constructions, the helix can extendthrough more or less than 360 degrees. Furthermore, while the sixtubular segments 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, 42 e, and 42 f each defineabout 60 degrees of the approximately 360 degree helix, in otherconstructions, the tubular segments 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, 42 e, and 42f can extend through more or less than 60 degrees. Because the half-tubeportions 46 are the same, adding tubular segments to the slide 38 toincrease the angle θ is simple.

Referring to FIG. 4, while the illustrated slide 38 is assembled suchthat the user turns in a right hand direction as they travel down theslide 38, the slide 38 can be assembled such that the user turns in aleft hand direction as they travel down the slide 38. To assemble theslide 38 in the left hand configuration, the tubular segment 42 a iscoupled to the entrance portion 110 such that the outer longitudinalflanges 64 of the tubular segment 42 a are orientated counterclockwise(as viewed from the front) with respect to the top flange 132 of thetapered entrance 110 such that there are three bolts 150 between the topflange 132 of the entrance portion 110 and the outer longitudinal flange64. Then, the tubular segments 42 a and 42 b are aligned such the outerlongitudinal flanges 64 of the tubular segment 42 b are rotatedclockwise (as viewed from the front) with respect to the outerlongitudinal flanges 64 of the tubular segment 42 a and there is onebolt 150 between the outer longitudinal flanges 64 of the tubularsegments 42 a and 42 b. The remaining segments 42 c, 42 d, 42 e, and 42f are similarly coupled such that the outer longitudinal flanges 64 ofthe respective tubular segments are offset with the longitudinal flanges64 of the preceding tubular segment by one bolt 150. Also, if the tubeslide 38 is assembled in the left hand configuration, the exit portionmay have a different shape than the exit portion 118 to accommodate theleft hand turning slide.

Referring to FIG. 1, a support member 164 is coupled to the exit portion118 to support the assembled tube slide 38. The illustrated supportmember 164 is constructed from standard 2 inch by 4 inch wood boards.Referring to FIGS. 1 and 12, other support members, such as rods 165that couple to supports of the playstation 20 and anchors 166 that areanchored into the ground and coupled to the exit portion 118 can also beused to support the slide 38.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the slide 38 is disassembled, the half-tubeportions 46 can be stacked or nested as illustrated in FIG. 11. WhileFIG. 11 illustrates five of the half-tube portions 46 in the stackedarrangement, it should be understood that all of the half-tube portions46 of the tube slide 38 (including the similar half-tube exit portion100) can be stacked as illustrated in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 12, the ability to stack the half-tube portions46 facilitates shipping or storing the tube slide 38. For example, inone construction, the assembled tube slide 38 has a height H1 ofapproximately 102 inches and a width W1 of approximately 58 inches, yetthe disassembled tube slide 38 can be packed in a single shippingcontainer or box 168 having a length L4 of approximately 32 inches, awidth W4 of approximately 32 inches, and a height of approximately 20.5inches. Therefore, in the illustrated construction, the assembled tubeslide 38 occupies a volume V1 of approximately 200 cubic feet (H1×W1×W1)and can be disassembled and packed in the container 168 having a volumeV2 of approximately 12 cubic feet (L4×W4×height). A ratio is defined asthe volume generally occupied by the assembled slide 38 (V1) divided byvolume of the container 168 (V2), and in the illustrated constructionthe ratio (V1/V2) is approximately 17. Also, the volume V2 of thecontainer 168 is only about 6 percent of the volume V1 of the assembledslide 38.

FIG. 12 illustrates the tube slide 38 of FIG. 2, including the taperedentrance 110, the platform 114, the exit 118, the half-tube portions 46and associated mounting hardware disassembled and stored in thecontainer 168 having the dimensions discussed above. Of course, the tubeslide 38 can have other suitable dimensions, and therefore, thedimensions of the container 168 can be varied accordingly.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

1. A helical tube slide comprising: a plurality of one-piece half-tubeportions, each of the plurality of the half-tube portions beingsubstantially dimensionally the same; and a fastener, wherein two of theplurality of half-tube portions are coupled together to define a firstcurved tubular segment that defines a first portion of the tube slide,wherein another two of the plurality of half-tube portions are coupledtogether to define a second curved tubular segment that defines a secondportion of the tube slide, and wherein the fastener couples the firstcurved tubular segment and the second curved tubular segment.
 2. Thehelical tube slide of claim 1, wherein the plurality of half-tubeportions are substantially identical.
 3. The helical tube slide of claim1, wherein the fastener includes a plurality of bolts, wherein each ofthe plurality of half-tube portions includes a flange and a plurality ofapertures that extend through the flange, wherein one of the pluralityof bolts extends through one of the plurality of apertures.
 4. Thehelical tube slide of claim 3, wherein the plurality of apertures ofeach of the plurality of half-tube portions are spaced and configured insubstantially identical configurations.
 5. The helical tube slide ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of bolts utilized to couple thetwo of the plurality of half-tube portions to define the first curvedtubular segment.
 6. The helical tube slide of claim 1, wherein theplurality of half-tube portions each define a curved longitudinal axis.7. The helical tube slide of claim 1, wherein the helical tube slidedefines a helix, wherein the helix extends through at least about 90degrees, and wherein the first curved tubular segment defines a firstportion of the helix that extends through less than 90 degrees.
 8. Thehelical tube slide of claim 7, wherein the first portion of the helixdefined by the first curved tubular segment extends through about 60degrees, and wherein the second curved tubular segment defines a secondportion of the helix that extends through about 60 degrees.
 9. Thehelical tube slide of claim 8, wherein the helix extends through about360 degrees, the tube slide further comprising third, fourth, and fifthcurved tubular segments each formed from two of the plurality ofhalf-tube portions.
 10. The helical tube slide of claim 9, wherein thetube slide defines an exit end, the tube slide further comprising asixth curved tubular segment that at least partially defines the exitend, the six curved tubular segment formed from one of the plurality ofone-piece half-tube portions and a half-tube portion that is notdimensionally the same as the plurality of one-piece half-tube portions.11. The helical tube slide of claim 1, further comprising a taperedentrance portion that defines an entrance of the tube slide, the taperedentrance portion defining an entrance area and an exit area, the exitarea being less than the entrance area.
 12. The helical tube slide ofclaim 11, wherein the entrance area defines a rectangle and the exitarea defines a circle.
 13. The helical tube slide of claim 11, whereinthe entrance portion is coupled to a platform configured to mount to asupport structure.
 14. The helical tube slide of claim 13, wherein theplatform includes a floor and two sidewalls.
 15. The helical tube slideof claim 1, wherein the tube slide defines a continuous helix.
 16. Thehelical tube slide of claim 15, wherein the helix extends through about360 degrees.
 17. A helical tube slide comprising: a first curved tubularsegment defining a curved longitudinal axis; a second curved tubularsegment defining a curved longitudinal axis; wherein the first curvedtubular segment and the second curved tubular segment are coupled suchthat the longitudinal axes of the first and second curved tubularsegments define a portion of a continuous helix.
 18. The helical tubeslide of claim 17, wherein the continuous helix is greater than 90degrees.
 19. The helical tube slide of claim 18, wherein the firstcurved tubular segment defines a first portion of the helix that extendsthrough less than 90 degrees.
 20. The helical tube slide of claim 19,wherein the first portion of the helix defined by the first curvedtubular segment extends through about 60 degrees, and wherein the secondcurved tubular segment defines a second portion of the helix thatextends through about 60 degrees.
 21. The helical tube slide of claim18, wherein the continuous helix is about 360 degrees.
 22. The helicaltube slide of claim 17, wherein the first and second curved tubularsegments are each formed from two of a plurality of half-tube portions,the plurality of the half-tube portions being substantiallydimensionally the same.
 23. The helical tube slide of claim 17, furthercomprising a fastener that couples the first curved tubular segment andthe second curved tubular segment to define a portion of the tube slide.24. The helical tube slide of claim 23, wherein the fastener includes aplurality of bolts, wherein the first and second tubular segments eachinclude a flange and a plurality of apertures that extend through theflange, wherein one of the plurality of bolts extends through one of theplurality of apertures.
 25. A method of assembling a helical tube slide,the method comprising: selecting two of a plurality of one-piecehalf-tube portions each being substantially dimensionally the same;coupling together the two of the plurality of half-tube portions todefine a first curved tubular segment; selecting another two of theplurality of one-piece half-tube portions each being substantiallydimensionally the same; coupling together the another two of theplurality of half-tube portions to define a second curved tubularsegment; and coupling together the first curved tubular segment and thesecond curved tubular segment to define at least a portion of thehelical tube slide.